Pubdate: Fri, 25 Feb 2005 Source: North Bay Nugget (CN ON) Copyright: 2005 North Bay Nugget Contact: http://www.nugget.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2226 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) NIPISSING TO GET FUNDING FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAMS Three Nipissing facilities will share $62,232 in additional funding to help treat people suffering with substance abuse, MPP Monique Smith announced Friday. North Bay General Hospital will get $43,829, while the Half-Way House will receive $10,550. The Community Counselling Centre of Nipissing receives $7,853. "Substance addiction is a very serious disease that requires specialized treatment," said Smith. "We're investing in Ontario's substance abuse treatment programs because we recognize the importance of making treatment available to those who need help. " The funding is part of a province-wide $4 million investment that builds on the government's $106 million annual investment to provide withdrawal management and substance abuse treatment to more than 125,000 Ontarians, Smith said. "Drug and alcohol abuse tears apart lives and families," added Health Minister George Smitherman. "We are determined to provide those in need with the right care, in their communities where it will do the most good." Lisa McCool-Philbin, executive director of the counselling centre, said, "Investing in substance abuse treatment is a tremendous benefit to those in need of proper care." "This announcement helps people with an addiction access the services they need in Nipissing." Withdrawal management services provide a program of detoxification from drugs and alcohol, as well as assessments to help people with substance abuse problems access the treatment and counselling that best suit their specific needs. Substance abuse programs provide assessment, referral, community-based counselling and residential treatment services. Many clients use both alcohol and other drugs and are more likely to have mental health problems. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth